Definition - What does Excessive Daytime Sleepiness mean?
Excessive daytime sleepiness is a condition characterized by the need to sleep during normal waking hours. The term excessive daytime sleepiness describes the symptoms of what can be one of many different conditions or sleep disorders. Situations ranging from poor sleep habits to a neurological disorder can cause excessive daytime sleepiness.
The most common symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness extend beyond a feeling of fatigue or low energy. Instead, those who suffer from excessive sleepiness may feel sluggish or drowsy. Individuals with this condition may fall asleep during the day without intending to do so. Of course, this condition can be very dangerous if someone falls asleep while operating a vehicle or machinery.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is sometimes referred to as excessive sleepiness, hypersomnia, hypersomnolence, or somnolence.
SureHire explains Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Excessive daytime sleepiness can have a serious impact on an individual's lifestyle and activities. Individuals suffering from excessive sleepiness may have difficulty performing tasks at work or school. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population suffers from some form of excessive sleepiness.
In addition to feeling sleepy and falling asleep at inappropriate times, individuals who suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness may also experience changes in mood. They may feel anxious, restless, or irritable. The person may find that they have trouble with focusing, speaking, thinking, or remembering. A loss of appetite may also result from excessive daytime sleepiness. All these factors then affect the person's ability to work and interact socially.
Diagnosing excessive sleepiness may require several different tests. Most medical professionals will begin with a physical exam and a discussion of a patient's lifestyle and sleep habits. Testing to determine the cause of a person's sleepiness may include a sleep study, EEG, blood study or urinalysis, or a CT scan. Once the causes or causes of the person's condition are identified, then an individualized treatment plan can be created.
